NAHB Boosts Lobbying Efforts in Washington

Washington, DC, July 1, 2011 -- The National Association of Home Builders spent $540,000 in the first quarter lobbying in Washington on housing, banking, residential construction lending and other issues, according to a disclosure report.

That's about 32% more than the $410,000 that the trade association spent on lobbying in the same quarter a year ago. It spent $440,000 on lobbying in the fourth quarter of last year.

Member builders account for about 80% of the new homes built in the U.S. each year.

The group lobbied on several housing-related issues during the latest quarter, including bills aimed at boosting loans for residential construction, energy efficiency and flood insurance.